Tatianna's Reviews > Grave Matter

Unnerving. Addictive. Twisted. Seductive. Grave Matter by Karina Halle is a gothic psychological thriller with elements of science fiction, horror romance and dark academia. What a wild ride this was.. and SO PERFECT for spooky season!

"All the cures to humanity's woes, hidden just behind that mist."

Grad student and aspiring mycologist Sydney Denik jumps at the opportunity when she is selected for the Madrona Institute's student program to assist in research for the cure to Alzheimer's. Located on an inlet of Vancouver Island, she is thrust into isolation with some of the most brilliant minds in the field. But unsettling and absolutely inexplicable happenings cause Sydney to start questioning her surroundings... as well as the fabric of her own mental state.

"You must wonder why death is so fixated on you."

This book has such an eerie atmosphere and an ominous, dreadful tone that had me questioning everything and on the edge of my seat, feverishly flipping the pages to unravel the mystery. Is Sydney crazy? Is the island haunted? Is something sinister going on at Madrona?



To top it all off, Sydney can't deny her attraction to Professor Kincaid, leading teacher and psychologist at the institute. Yes, you read that right — Halle went the extra mile to make him not only her teacher but her DOCTOR, TOO. This fictional man is so mysterious and suspicious but also forbidden (x2) and HOT AS FUCK!? Sign me up for this student program, immediately.

"I have this need to restrain you... To pin you down like a butterfly. To marvel at your beauty but to know that you are caught, that you are mine."

The tension and dynamic between Sydney and Kincaid had me sweating! If you enjoy forbidden romance with BDSM rep and a little degradation... look no further: the doctor is in.

Somehow this book is equal parts CREEPY and SEXY. I don't want to say too much because it's truly needs to be experienced... but Halle has really flexed her writing muscles with this one, delivering an absolutely delicious (though sometimes disgusting tbh), twisted and unputdownable story.

Dark academia with a science focus is so rare in the romance genre and I ate up the mad scientist vibes, the mycology theme, and the eco-horror. So incredibly refreshing!! And amidst the mindfuckery is fantastic neurodivergent representation, themes of genius vs. madness, grief and self-acceptance, and a sexy, smoldering romance.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Karina Halle can write anything! Her range within the romance genre is unmatched, and I swear she nails it every damn time. This is actually my 26th read from Karina Halle this year.. and seriously, I don't think I will ever get my fill.