I was eager for a folk horror like this, dark, twisted, scary. From the very first page I knew I was entering another realm, an uncanny one, but I was ready.
I loved the different characters and their point of views, clearly different from one another. We had people who were on the inside, people who had “escaped”, and then there was Marshall, the outsider, whose journey was the readers own. There are chapters where the title was enough for me to be thrilled. You will know when you read it.
I really liked the imagery, the rumours, the beliefs and the horses as a totem of the community. They made for a unique atmosphere that grasped me and would not let me go. At the beginning I was afraid the slow-burn story could become stagnate in the last third of the novel of so, but now I can say I have never been happier to be wrong: I loved the pace towards the ending, the pieces of the puzzle finally reaching their place, the climax.

Recommended for horror fans, especially for those looking for a different kind of folk horror and strong feminine characters.

In "The Unmothers," by Leslie J. Anderson, Marshall struggles with grief after her husband's death. Tasked with looking into an odd rumour in Raeford, she finds herself in a town weighed down by its troubled past and surrounded by mystery.

As Marshall looks further, she finds disturbing information about the past of the neighborhood and the mysteries that lie behind its borders. The story takes readers into a world where tradition and the need for change collide as it develops with a sense of dread.

Although the moody environment and complex characters showcase Anderson's writing talent, some readers might find themselves wishing for additional depth and clarity at various moments in the story. In spite of this, "The Unmothers" is nonetheless a gripping story that delves into issues of female autonomy, empowerment, and the long-lasting effects of generational trauma.
Overall, Anderson's novel offers a compelling blend of mystery and introspection, making it a worthwhile read for those intrigued by stories that challenge and unsettle. 3.5 stars rounded to four stars,

The Unmothers by Leslie J Anderson was a fast read. I liked the folklore in this novel. Will there be a sequel or from another perspective? Who are the Women?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a premise!! A journalist ventures to a small town to investigates rumors about a horse giving birth to a human baby.

This is slow burn, folk horror done right. Very eerie and unique--especially the monster. The imagery here will STAY WITH YOU!!

A must-read.

Marshall is recovering from the sudden death of her husband when she is involved in a bad auto accident. Afterward her editor sends her to the tiny, slightly backward town of Raeford to investigate a rumor that a horse has given birth to a human baby.

When Marshall arrives in Raeford she finds an incredible insular town where horses are king. The bodies of both a horse and a man are found in a field and Marshall knows there is something very strange going on.

The story is told from various points of view. I’m not exactly sure why the editor at any reputable publication would send someone out to do a story about this rumor, but, whatever. The story was OK, but after reading the entire book I’m still not sure I know what, exactly, was going on. It was just decent for me.