Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent

Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent is a gothic horror novel by Jennifer Anne Gordon that delves into the psychological depths of grief, guilt, and the supernatural. Set on the haunted Dagger Island, the novel intertwines the lives of Adam, a man overwhelmed by the loss of his family, and Anthony, an elderly man haunted by the ghost of his past lover. The novel is recognized for its detailed setting and exploration of themes such as redemption and longing.

Plot
Adam, a high school English teacher devastated by the tragic deaths of his wife and son in an auto accident, turns to alcohol to numb his overwhelming guilt and despair. His spiraling grief and a suicide attempt drive him to seek solace on Dagger Island, a place rumored to be haunted and where it's said one can reunite with lost loved ones. Eager for a chance to apologize to his son's spirit, Adam arrives at the island only to find himself in a decaying boarding house run by Anthony, an 82-year-old recluse who is himself haunted by the ghost of his lover from sixty years prior. The novel intricately explores the psychological turmoil, past grief, and eerie supernatural presence that bind these three characters, as their stories of seeking redemption intertwine on this island marked by ghost-whispering powers and shared spaces of grief and guilt.

Production
The book was published on August 1, 2020, by Livre Maison, and available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.

Reception
Critics and readers have praised Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent for its lyrical prose, complex character development, and its ability to evoke a strong emotional response. The novel's atmospheric setting and exploration of dark themes have been highlighted as major strengths. However, its poetic and sometimes flowery language has been noted as a potential barrier for some readers, though it generally contributes to the novel's immersive quality. The intricate narrative structure, which alternates between different points of view, has been lauded for its creativity and depth.

Prairies Book Review highlights the novel's blend of psychological depth with horror, emphasizing the intricate portrayal of the characters' struggles with their pasts. The review appreciates Gordon's ability to maintain a suspenseful and tense narrative that complements the gothic atmosphere of the story, calling her prose deeply moving and a treat for fans of gothic literature.

Reedsy's review by Kassie Romo points out the dark, twisted, and lyrical nature of the book, emphasizing the emotional journey it takes the reader on through themes of grief and guilt. The reviewer notes the book's balance between the real world and paranormal elements, praising Gordon's poetic and flowery writing style, despite acknowledging it might not suit all readers' preferences.

Reader's Favorite gives the book a 5-star review, focusing on the symbolism and psychological exploration that Gordon masterfully integrates into the narrative. The review commends the book for addressing the themes of grief, heartache, and loss in a profound way, highlighting the detailed exploration of Adam's grieving process.

Awards
Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent has garnered significant recognition within the literary and horror genres, securing the Kindle Award for Best Horror/Suspense in 2020 and earning the title of Best Horror 2020 from Authors on the Air. Additionally, it was a finalist in the American Book Fest's Best Book Award in Horror for the same year. Furthermore, Reader's Favorite awarded it the Platinum 5 Star Seal, underscoring its quality and the recognition it has received in the field.