tangiblereads's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
The House Next Door was a wild ride into southern charm with two facedness where people smile in your face and talk behind your back. That said, the closeness of the people are admiral and the community does have an idyllic vibe about it. Especially since they seem to keep the drinks flowing. The story was suspenseful with lots of foreshadowing, had a few shockers, and was funny at times. However, it does have problematic elements for me like racism, sexism, and use of the terms “funny farm” and “retard”. I think Col and Walter should mind their own business instead of making trouble for themselves. Too late.
sjj169's review against another edition
4.0
Spooky without being gross. Interesting book from an author that I've always loved.
woweewhoa's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Ableism, Miscarriage, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Pregnancy, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Antisemitism, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Gun violence, Animal death, Alcohol, Racism, Child abuse, Child death, and Excrement
Minor: Abortion, Fatphobia, War, and Incest
morag's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A classic horror novel, this book has a great sense of tone, character, and tension. The dread is palpable. However, someone in my book club said he thought the point of the book was that all these rich white socialites who drink 24/7 just lost their minds at the first sight of turmoil, and that has forever altered my perception of the book in a very funny way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Child abuse, Child death, and Animal death
squirrellygoat's review against another edition
1.0
Didn’t finish. Didn’t like this book.
Oh no! Gay people in a southern city in the 70s! Must be a ghost!
Here’s a spoiler: the book isn’t good. Sorry to ruin it for you.
Oh no! Gay people in a southern city in the 70s! Must be a ghost!
Here’s a spoiler: the book isn’t good. Sorry to ruin it for you.
amies808's review against another edition
3.0
I think my expectations for this book were far too high, as it was recommended as one of the scariest from a horror aficionado and I only found it so-so scary. I did admire Colquitt’s ability to elide some juicy bits that would come up later and make you wonder if something else (perhaps more explainable) was going on, and I wonder if I missed out on some things simply because I’m so far removed from 1978. However, and I don’t know if this is just because I’ve been spoiled by contemporary novels and movies, I expected more twists and turns and actual scares.
cander's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25