Scan barcode
A review by stephshelves
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Meet Nancy. A big-time name in the Christian puppet ministry world. Her house is drowning in dolls and puppets - some purchased, but most home made. They are her friends and she loves them dearly. Especially Pupkin. There's just something about Pupkin.
Nancy has tragically died along side her husband in a car accident. Completely throwing everyone for a loop. Her daughter, Louise, has to fly home to help her brother, Mark, handle everything. Including cleaning out the house to sell.
Shes greatly unsettled by the house, weird shadows and noises making her uneasy. The dolls aren't where they were last time she came in...maybe Mark moved them? Something is definitely moving around in the attic. Surely a squirrel problem. Nobody is actually after Louise. Except maybe Mark? She's just being paranoid.
It's been a while since I've read a book that kept me up at night. This one did. Grady crafted the perfect atmosphere for this book - something definitely going on, but you are only getting bits and pieces for a while. The discomfort of the main characters is your discomfort as well. It just feels off putting the whole time you're reading.
On top of the creepy atmosphere, there is emotional turmoil in the form of loss, parenting, trauma, and self doubt. I cried twice during my read and got misty eyed more than once. As a parent, some of what Louise was dealing with hit a little too close and I just wanted to hug her and her daughter.
The horror aspects were beautiful too. I love a terrifying tale with emotional ties. It's not just scary to be scary - there's a reason the house is the way that it is. Insert more Steph tears.
Grady has done no wrong in my opinion and this book blew me away. If you're uneasy in regards to dolls, hauntings, and over all discomfort maybe this isn't it for you. But also maybe it is. I can't think of a single reason not to read this book. It's definitely going to be a contender for top 2023 reads!
TW/CW: death, child death
Nancy has tragically died along side her husband in a car accident. Completely throwing everyone for a loop. Her daughter, Louise, has to fly home to help her brother, Mark, handle everything. Including cleaning out the house to sell.
Shes greatly unsettled by the house, weird shadows and noises making her uneasy. The dolls aren't where they were last time she came in...maybe Mark moved them? Something is definitely moving around in the attic. Surely a squirrel problem. Nobody is actually after Louise. Except maybe Mark? She's just being paranoid.
It's been a while since I've read a book that kept me up at night. This one did. Grady crafted the perfect atmosphere for this book - something definitely going on, but you are only getting bits and pieces for a while. The discomfort of the main characters is your discomfort as well. It just feels off putting the whole time you're reading.
On top of the creepy atmosphere, there is emotional turmoil in the form of loss, parenting, trauma, and self doubt. I cried twice during my read and got misty eyed more than once. As a parent, some of what Louise was dealing with hit a little too close and I just wanted to hug her and her daughter.
The horror aspects were beautiful too. I love a terrifying tale with emotional ties. It's not just scary to be scary - there's a reason the house is the way that it is. Insert more Steph tears.
Grady has done no wrong in my opinion and this book blew me away. If you're uneasy in regards to dolls, hauntings, and over all discomfort maybe this isn't it for you. But also maybe it is. I can't think of a single reason not to read this book. It's definitely going to be a contender for top 2023 reads!
TW/CW: death, child death
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Death of parent