Reviews

The Housetrap by Emma Read

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mehsi's review

5.0

This was oodles of fun and spoookyyy as well! I am really really happy I was able to save this one for my vacation (Day 6 here) and that I read it. Other books came in between, but eventually I fully focussed on this one. A friendship that is crumbling (and I could fully understand that feeling), a spooky house that has some special features (including moving rooms and the likes), a ghost (but is it one or more), kids in the walls (yes, if you thought things couldn't get spookier), puzzles (that were awesome), and lots of mould (well at least later). I really loved the MC and while Sam was a character I could do without for quite a chunk of the book he did get better. And those who read my reviews know that I am generally NOT a fan of little sisters and while Amity was a bit annoying at times, she really wasn't that bad. The ending was both sad and happy and a twist as well!
RECOMMENDED!

typedtruths's review

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

zxphyr's review

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

bethanjane21's review

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lighthearted mysterious

4.0

elizabethbunston's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

thereadedit's review

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adventurous challenging dark hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I thoroughly enjoyed this middle grade locked room mystery. This could honestly read as a YA. I feel as if the characters read as if they were a little bit older than what they were in the book.

With that being said I loved every twist and turn. I love how the author included mathematics and logic within the storyline to help solve the mystery. With each step, it took them one step closer to their next stop along the way to their destination.

I enjoyed the banter between the characters and the different aspects that were placed within the book. I loved that one of the kids in the books was an empath. He was more than willing to show the others that it wasn't just a fluke that something was happening.

I am excited to read more format bus author in the future.

adamskiboy528491's review

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5.0

The Housetrap by Emma Read has the perfect amount of mystery, puzzles, humour and spook with a threat of exploration of what friendship is and who can be trusted. Nothing is as it seems, with twists and turns galore. I love this mash-up of escape room logic puzzles and supernatural essence. The characters are trapped in a mysterious house and have to solve puzzles to be able to get out; they have no other choice but to keep going. The premise almost feels reminiscent of the 1997 film Cube. The bizarre architecture of the house was a unique touch to younger audiences…something like a Rubik’s Cube turning into a house. It’s a great Halloween read, not only that!