A review by ros_lanta
The Housetrap by Emma Read
5.0
I know I'm new at reading horror and definitely a scaredy-cat but wow this middle grade novel creeped me out. The atmosphere and tension starts very early on in the book and increases steadily, with a particularly memorable moment that felt like it made my heart jump. Admittedly my environment helped - I read it sitting in a dark room, alone except for my dogs (and sprints playing on my tablet).
The story is a mix between the haunted house and escape room tropes, and was compelling to read. I'm not usually a visual reader at all but surprisingly I did find myself imagining the various rooms in the house, not to mention some of the creepiest events.
I will say that unfortunately the audiobook didn't work for me. I began with the intention to immersion read, but the narration style was removing any sense of tension and after about three chapters I turned off the audio and solely read from the physical book.
This was absolutely a cover buy (I love this cover!) and I started reading it without having heard anything about the book. I'm in the happy position of having found a new release noone I know has read and I very strongly recommend it.
The story is a mix between the haunted house and escape room tropes, and was compelling to read. I'm not usually a visual reader at all but surprisingly I did find myself imagining the various rooms in the house, not to mention some of the creepiest events.
I will say that unfortunately the audiobook didn't work for me. I began with the intention to immersion read, but the narration style was removing any sense of tension and after about three chapters I turned off the audio and solely read from the physical book.
This was absolutely a cover buy (I love this cover!) and I started reading it without having heard anything about the book. I'm in the happy position of having found a new release noone I know has read and I very strongly recommend it.