A review by bethboo
Twelve Nights at Rotter House by J.W. Ocker

dark funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I went into this book wanted a haunted house story. I wanted ghosts and scary bits and maybe for the main character to loose their mind a little. I only really got that last bit. 
The story takes place over the 12 nights that the MC is spending in a very old, decrepit house that's rumored as haunted. He wants to write a nonfiction account of a haunted house from a non-believer's POV. His best friend comes to stay with him, although a rocky patch is referenced in their relationship. Some weird stuff happens, as all hauntings do, as Felix and Thomas stay two weeks in the house. 

The narrative felt funny and charming and relatable, when it wasn't irritating, unnecessary, or problematic. Prominent sexist and racist vibes. I was very interested in the tension between the friends, but I was very off when trying to guess what it was. I wish it had been more spooky. It had a good twist, that I would have probably seen coming if I was more observant, but I'm a dummy when it comes to guessing plots.

But, it's not a recommend from me unless (like me) you're desperate for haunted house content in an audio format, free from your library. Good narrator!

 
The ending wasn't the worst in the world but I just really wanted a supernatural, paranormal, haunted house! I also don't like that Felix was so victimy and kinda likeable until the literal second he was revealed to be capable of such barbarism. But what can I say? Also, I just have to make fun of myself because I literally thought that the tension between Felix and Thomas was because they slept together and hid it from their wives. Like it felt like they were flirting a lot of the times or like jealous of each other's wives. Like they wanted to be each other's special person... It turns out that I'm just gay and I can't read Hetero plot~ BUT there was not even subtle sexist and racist vibes through out the whole thing, and I did NOT appreciate the weird sexual bits where Felix jerked it to a doll and mentioning that the ghost "had a flat stomach so tight that it made me what to come on it" YUCK and where he was hard at the end reliving the murder. Yeah no
 
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