I’ll Be Waiting by Kelley Armstrong

You know that feeling when you’re alone in an old house, and you hear a creak? That moment when your heart skips a beat, and you’re not sure if it’s just the wind or… something else? Well, buckle up, horror fans, because Kelley Armstrong’s latest novel, “I’ll Be Waiting,” is about to take that feeling and crank it up to eleven.

I’ll be honest, I’ve been a fan of Armstrong’s work since her “Women of the Otherworld” series, but this? This is something else entirely. It’s like she took all the best parts of a classic ghost story, threw in a dash of psychological thriller, and topped it off with a sprinkle of her signature supernatural flair. The result? A page-turner that’ll have you checking over your shoulder and maybe, just maybe, reconsidering that Ouija board in your attic.

A Haunting Premise

Let’s start with our protagonist, Nicola Laughton. Picture this: a woman who’s spent her whole life battling cystic fibrosis, finally finds love, only to lose her husband in a tragic accident. Oh, and his last words? “I’ll be waiting for you.” Cue the goosebumps, folks.

But here’s where it gets really interesting. Those private last words? They go viral. Suddenly, Nicola’s grief is public property, and every two-bit medium in town is knocking on her door, promising to connect her with Anton. It’s a premise that’s not just spooky—it’s heartbreakingly real. I mean, who hasn’t wondered what they’d give for one more conversation with a loved one?

Setting the Stage for Scares

Armstrong doesn’t waste any time ramping up the tension. The séance setup at Anton’s family’s old lake house? Classic. But it’s the little details that really got under my skin. The creepy dolls in the sitting room (seriously, why are dolls always so creepy?), the mysterious locked basement, the dumbwaiter that shouldn’t be moving but totally is… It’s like every haunted house trope you’ve ever loved, but somehow, Armstrong makes them feel fresh and genuinely unsettling.

And can we talk about those bugs for a second? The swarms of midges that engulf the house? I never thought I’d be scared of tiny flies, but here we are. It’s brilliant, really. Armstrong takes something ordinary and turns it into a source of dread. I’ll be swatting at every bug I see for weeks.

Characters That Keep You Guessing

One of the things I’ve always loved about Kelley Armstrong’s writing is her knack for creating complex characters, and “I’ll Be Waiting” is no exception. Nicola is a protagonist you can’t help but root for. She’s been through hell, but she’s tough as nails. I found myself alternating between wanting to give her a hug and cheering her on as she faces down the horrors in that house.

The supporting cast is equally intriguing. Jin, Nicola’s brother-in-law, seems like the voice of reason at first, but is he hiding something? And Shania, the young nurse with a tragic past of her own—there’s definitely more to her story than meets the eye. Even Dr. Cirillo, the parapsychologist, isn’t quite what he seems. Armstrong keeps you on your toes, never quite sure who to trust.

A Master Class in Building Suspense

Let’s talk pacing for a second. Armstrong knows how to build tension like a pro. The first half of the book is a slow burn, with eerie occurrences that could be written off as imagination or coincidence. But then, bam! The bodies start piling up, and suddenly you’re in the middle of a supernatural murder mystery that you can’t put down.

The way Armstrong weaves together the present-day horrors with Nicola’s mysterious past is nothing short of masterful. Those flashbacks to another séance gone wrong? They add layers of intrigue that kept me guessing until the very end. And don’t even get me started on the twists. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Armstrong pulls the rug out from under you.

Things That Go Bump in the Night (and Day)

One of the things I appreciated most about “I’ll Be Waiting” is how Kelley Armstrong doesn’t rely solely on nighttime scares. Sure, there are plenty of creepy moments in the dark, but some of the most unsettling scenes happen in broad daylight. It’s a reminder that true horror doesn’t disappear when the sun comes up.

Some standout moments that’ll stick with me:

• The dumbwaiter incident (I’ll never look at one the same way again)
• The basement revelation (no spoilers, but… yikes)
• The cliff scene (edge-of-your-seat stuff, literally)

A Deeper Look at Grief and Guilt

Beyond the scares, “I’ll Be Waiting” tackles some heavy themes. Armstrong doesn’t shy away from exploring the messy, complicated nature of grief. Nicola’s struggle to move on while honoring Anton’s memory feels painfully authentic. And the way guilt can haunt us, sometimes more persistently than any ghost? That hit home.

There’s also a fascinating exploration of the ethics of mediumship. When does the desire to comfort the grieving cross the line into exploitation? It’s a question that lingers long after you’ve finished the book.

A Few Minor Quibbles

Now, no book is perfect, and I did have a couple of small issues. There were a few moments where the pacing felt a bit off, particularly in the middle section. And while I loved most of the characters, a couple of the minor ones felt a bit underdeveloped.

But honestly? These are minor nitpicks in what is otherwise a stellar read.

The Verdict

“I’ll Be Waiting” is Kelley Armstrong at her best. It’s a ghost story that manages to be both classic and contemporary, a thriller that keeps you guessing, and a meditation on loss and the lengths we’ll go to for closure. If you’re a fan of Armstrong’s previous work, you’ll love this new direction. And if you’re new to her writing? Buckle up, because you’re in for one hell of a ride.

Who Should Read This?

• Fans of supernatural thrillers
• Anyone who loves a good ghost story with depth
• Readers who enjoy unreliable narrators and twisty plots
• Those who appreciate horror that’s as much about psychological scares as things that go bump in the night

Who Should Maybe Skip It?

• If you’re looking for a light, fluffy read (this ain’t it, folks)
• Those who are easily scared (seriously, you might want to sleep with the lights on)
• Readers who prefer their horror gory rather than psychological

Final Thoughts

“I’ll Be Waiting” is the kind of book that stays with you. It’s been days since I finished it, and I’m still thinking about the characters, the twists, and yes, double-checking that my doors are locked at night. It’s a testament to Armstrong’s skill as a writer that she can take familiar horror elements and make them feel fresh and genuinely scary.

If you’re looking for a book that’ll keep you up at night—both because you can’t put it down and because you’re too freaked out to sleep—”I’ll Be Waiting” is the one for you. Just maybe don’t read it alone in an old house. You know, just in case.

Similar Reads

If you loved “I’ll Be Waiting,” you might also enjoy:

• “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson (for classic haunted house vibes)
• “Home Before Dark” by Riley Sager (another great haunted house thriller)
• “The Ghost Orchid” by Carol Goodman (for more supernatural mystery)

And of course, if you’re new to Kelley Armstrong, don’t miss her “Rockton” series for more thrilling mysteries, or her “Women of the Otherworld” books for urban fantasy goodness.

A Final Word

You know how sometimes you finish a book and you just need to talk about it with someone? Yeah, that’s “I’ll Be Waiting” in a nutshell. So go on, grab a copy, turn on all the lights in your house, and prepare for a wild ride. Just don’t blame me if you start hearing things go bump in the night. Happy reading… if you dare!