Oracle by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
Book #3 of 30 in my 2025 Reading Challenge
I’m challenging myself to read 30 books in 2025 as part of my journey to reclaim “me time” after years of being a workaholic—and a recent cancer diagnosis that changed everything. Reading has become a lifeline for joy, comfort, and escape. Find out more about my 2025 Reading Challenge.
Why I picked this book
This was my very first venture into the horror genre—and to be honest, I wasn’t sure it would be my thing. I’m usually all about a good murder mystery. But I spotted Oracle in the library and with its eerie ghost ship premise, I couldn’t resist giving it a go. I’m so glad I did—it delivered suspense, mystery, and just the right amount of chills without feeling overwhelming for a horror newbie like me.
What’s it about?
In this supernatural thriller, 13-year-old Luca Wolf and his friend Emma Reich stumble upon an 18th-century sailing ship, the Oracle, mysteriously stranded in a Dutch tulip field. When Emma enters the ship, she disappears, triggering a series of events that lead to the involvement of paranormal investigator Robert Grim. As the investigation unfolds, Luca and Grim uncover dark secrets, government conspiracies, and a curse that threatens to unleash monstrous horrors.
Escape Index
World: Eerie & Unsettling
The setting—a ghost ship mysteriously appearing in a quiet field—was vividly eerie and completely original. While I didn’t feel fully immersed in the world, the atmosphere was strong and set the tone for a chilling and curious read.Vibe: Suspenseful & Mysterious
The suspense is what kept me turning the pages. The blend of sci-fi weirdness and ghostly horror worked really well, keeping that “what the heck is happening?” energy right through to the end.Pace: Gripping with a Few Dips
The plot started strong and kept a steady pace, with a slow-burn reveal that was genuinely intriguing. It dipped a little toward the end, but overall, it had enough momentum to keep me hooked.Feels: Subtle & Curious
This one was more plot-driven than emotional, but I still appreciated the vulnerability in the protagonist’s journey. It wasn’t deeply moving, but it kept me engaged—and sometimes, that’s all you need.Escape Factor: A Chilling Break from Reality
While I wasn’t completely transported to another world, Oracle offered a solid escape through its eerie atmosphere and suspenseful mystery. It was easy to get lost in the weirdness of the story and forget everything else for a while.
“A suspenseful, eerie mystery that’s perfect for horror newbies or anyone craving a chill-worthy escape.”
My takeaway
Oracle turned out to be a surprisingly satisfying introduction to horror. The mystery of the ghost ship and the strange disappearances had me gripped from the first few chapters. Thomas Olde Heuvelt does a great job of building tension without relying on gore or jump scares, which made this an excellent entry point for someone new to the genre.
The writing was accessible, the tone creepy without being too intense, and the pacing was good—though I did feel like the ending could’ve been a little stronger. Still, I closed the book feeling satisfied, curious, and a little braver about diving into the eerie side of fiction in future reads.
Is this book for you?
Perfect if you’re looking for:
a light but chilling introduction to horror
a suspenseful mystery with supernatural twists
a book that makes you go “what just happened?”—in a good way.
If you enjoy slow-burn suspense and don’t mind a little weirdness along the way, this is a great pick for your reading escape.
Want to read Oracle?
See if it’s available at Wellington City Libraries, or you can find it online at:
No affiliate links—just sharing the love of a good escape.
Let’s chat
Have you read Oracle? Did it send a chill down your spine—or leave you more curious than creeped out?
Let me know your thoughts, or drop a rec for your favourite suspenseful or horror read—I might just add it to the challenge list!