Book Review | The Nesting by C.J. Cooke

Tom Faraday is building a home in Norway in memory of his late wife, Aurelia. Lexi Ellis is hired as the nanny for his two children, though she has her own secrets. But she starts seeing a dark figure and mysterious muddy footprints. What’s the truth behind Aurelia’s death?

“The truth is,” Maren continued, “nature always protects itself by whatever means possible.”

The Nesting is a gothic thriller with Nordic folklore influences. I really liked the chilling fjord setting and mythological elements. I appreciated the book’s description of environmental issues and how people’s actions impact nature. There are horror elements through the mentions of nøkk, a water spirit that legend says punishes humans for destroying nature. Some of the scenes wouldn’t be out of place in the usual horror offerings! While Lexi starts the story on shaky ground, her relationship with the children she cares for is wonderful and heartwarming. I’m also happy that the book doesn’t fall into the usual trope of creating a romantic relationship between the nanny and the boss. Their working relationship remains professional until the end.

However, I found it hard to suspend my disbelief at the plot. For example, Lexi was hired in the most implausible way, her mental illness forgotten as soon as she gets the job, things happening without authorities checking, and houses being built on an unrealistic timeline. I also couldn’t stand Tom and Aurelia whose relationships are shown in flashbacks. They’re basically rich people who destroy the environment for their “dream home”. Tom even discovered something important during the dig but he and his best friend Clive covered it up without any consequences. His justification is that Aurelia died so her dream home must be built, no matter what. This happens even though they had cut down century-old trees, diverted a river, poisoned wild animals, and dug a hole in the cliff. I was disappointed that although the book highlights the environmental impacts of their behaviour, it was portrayed as acceptable. By the end of the book, I was wishing that nøkk would eat them!

The Nesting is a unique Nordic thriller that falls short for me but would appeal to readers who love folklore and family relationships.

CW: suicide attempt, post-partum depression, infidelity, animal deaths, mistreatment of a person with mental illness

About the author: CJ Cooke

Photo by George Kedenburg III