Book review of Ring Around the Rosy

by Ashley Marie (Author)

Updated at: 17/02/2025

In Ashley Marie's Ring Around the Rosy, the idyllic town of Willow Creek becomes a terrifying playground for vengeful spirits. Eighteen-year-old Katie Monroe's return home on her birthday unleashes the wrath of two murdered children, victims of her grandfather's unspeakable cruelty. Years after their gruesome deaths, the siblings' innocent games twist into a deadly ritual, a chilling "ring around the rosy" with horrifying consequences. Their childish spirits, trapped between worlds, seek retribution, dragging Katie into a terrifying fight for survival against the darkness they embody. Prepare for a haunting tale of family secrets, ghostly vengeance, and a battle against the lingering evil of the past.

4.6 / 14 ratings

Review Ring Around the Rosy

Okay, buckle up, because I have so much to say about Ashley Marie's Ring Around the Rosy! From the moment I started, I was completely hooked. I genuinely couldn't put it down; it was one of those books that completely consumed my free time, and I loved every terrifying minute. The premise itself – a twisted take on a childhood rhyme, unleashing vengeful spirits on the eve of a birthday – is brilliantly chilling. It's the kind of setup that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go.

The story follows Katie Monroe as she returns to her family's sinister Willow Creek home, unwittingly awakening the ghosts of two murdered children, victims of her grandfather's depravity. Annabelle and Gage, though tragically deceased, are anything but passive spirits. They're mischievous, menacing, and utterly terrifying in their childish rage. Their haunting presence permeates every page, turning the familiar melody of "Ring Around the Rosy" into a chilling soundtrack for a truly horrifying experience. The way the author blends the innocent rhyme with the gruesome reality is masterful; it's unsettling and clever in equal measure.

What really struck me, though, was the atmosphere. Ashley Marie paints such vivid pictures with her words; the oppressive dread hanging over Willow Creek is almost palpable. You can practically feel the cold, damp air and the sense of unease that creeps up on Katie, and consequently, on the reader. The descriptions are incredibly effective in building the suspense, making the horror feel both visceral and deeply unsettling. The pacing is perfect too – each chapter revealing another piece of the puzzle, another horrifying truth about Katie's family history, keeping you constantly guessing and utterly captivated. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, breathlessly anticipating the next ghastly revelation.

And the gore? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. This isn't a horror story that shies away from the gruesome details; it embraces them fully. If graphic depictions of violence aren't your thing, this might not be the book for you. However, if you're a fan of visceral horror, prepare to be thoroughly impressed. The level of detail is intense, adding another layer of unsettling realism to the already terrifying narrative.

But beyond the horror and the gore, Ring Around the Rosy has a surprisingly compelling emotional core. Katie's struggle to confront her family's dark legacy and break the cycle of violence is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her determination to free the spirits of Annabelle and Gage adds a layer of depth that elevates the story beyond simple jump scares and bloody mayhem. It's a story about facing your past, confronting the darkness within your family history, and the enduring power of hope even in the face of unimaginable horror.

In short, Ring Around the Rosy is a fantastic addition to the horror genre. It’s a fast-paced, atmospheric, and genuinely terrifying read. If you enjoy folklore-inspired horror with a healthy dose of gruesome detail and a compelling protagonist, then this book is an absolute must-read. I highly recommend it, and I'm already eagerly anticipating what Ashley Marie will do next. Seriously, run, don't walk, to get your copy!

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