A review by evlchk
Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey

4.0

 

Just Like Home is my first book by author Sarah Gailey. I’ve heard great things about the book, so of course, I picked it up for spooky season.  Even though I own a copy, I decided to go with the audiobook because of my hectic schedule lately. I was not disappointed.

This gothic horror/thriller follows the main character, Vera Crowder, as her mom asks her to return to her childhood home for two reasons: to clean out the house and to be with her as she dies. As a parent’s life comes to an end, it's accepted, but what makes this different? The Crowder House was filled with secrets while she was growing up. The home she grew up in housed a serial killer, her father. It has been many years since Vera has been home. Sadly, Vera unknowingly provided information to a true crime author who published a book about her father. 

Will coming home unravel mysteries and unanswered questions? 

When she returns home not only does Vera find her mother in terrible shape, but she discovers there is a man named James living there. An artist and a true parasite of a person who is slowly stripping the house down. What makes it worse is that he is the son of the true crime author. Strange things, sounds, and movements begin as Vera relives her childhood memories, interweaving past and present events. Is her childhood home haunted? 

While the story is a slow-burn thriller/horror, the author does a great job of adding suspense and twists that keep you engaged. There are no jump scares or gore; it’s more psychological. The narrator does a fantastic job of lending a voice to the various characters. Her voice is deeper, so it adds to the book's vibe. It was great. By the end of the book, I fully believe that most men are filled with grease.